The #1 Thing to Look for in a Youth Program
Congregations are told all the time that families are looking for “vibrant, healthy, exciting” youth programs. Far too often, however, what passes as “vibrant” and “healthy” and “exciting” is not what should take the place of highest priority.
Before I go on, let me make two statements.
First, I have been a youth minister, so this is not an article to bash these faithful workers. For about 2 years, I was the part-time youth minister in Somerville, Tennessee and for about 7 years, I was the youth minister at the 9th Avenue Church of Christ in Haleyville. Since then, I have done my best to work with young people and not be a standoffish preacher.
Second, I am not saying that youth groups should avoid fun activities. Just this week, my family hosted our young people from Central in our home for a night that was nothing but fun and fellowship. So keep having the fun outings and trips. Young people need to get together for these times of good, clean fun with other Christians.
Now, with that said, let me challenge youth ministers, elders, and parents. When we are looking to have a good youth program, who are we really trying to please?
Take this for example. A family moves into a midsized town. Maybe the family has 2 teenagers and one tween. They jump online and start looking at congregations within driving distance of their house, and realize that there are 5 or 6 that have youth ministers, or who at least have a page on the website dedicated to youth events and that have a level of organization to them. They decide to “try out” each of these congregations.
At this point, we can all understand what they are doing. While “church shopping” may get under our skin at times, we understand it. However, the question becomes, What should they be looking for?
Should they be impressed with a group that has a calendar full of trips to amusement parks and mini golf courses? Should they be drawn to the group that is active in being together for skating nights and ice cream suppers?
Again, there is value in those things, and congregations are wise to supply such fun outings.
But the #1 thing churches need to focus on in their youth program–and the #1 thing families need to look for–is this: How much Bible will be instilled into the lives of our children by faithful servants of all ages? In other words, the Bible is the focus, but also, do we really want our children and young people constantly isolated from adults of all ages who love them enough to point them to the Word of God in all matters?
Offering this to every family does not necessarily mean we have large programs with large budgets; instead, there should simply be a constant “drumbeat” of opportunities for children and young people to open God’s Word and be taught what it says to their lives.
If you think it takes a huge budget, consider these things you can do right where you are:
Pew Packers/KidSing. For 10-15 minutes each Sunday evening, sing a couple of Bible songs, then drill Bible facts in a fun and engaging fashion. I’m thrilled that we are starting this at Central this coming Sunday evening. Make it far more about instilling Bible facts, though, than about singing “Father Abraham!” (Watch a video, albeit a bit dated, from Glenn Colley about his “KidSing” program here.) Also, we have a page on our website that has some extra Pew Packer-type material you can utilize as you would like for free. You can find that here.
Teens in the Word. I have long been impressed with what the young people at the Bear Valley Church of Christ in Denver, Colorado have for their teenagers; a program simply called “Teens in the Word.” (Read Kathy Pollard’s article about it here.) Simply put: it is a weekly one-hour Bible study in someone’s home that focuses solely on teaching young people how to study God’s Word for themselves.
Bible-Based Curriculum. Far too often, we overlook teaching the Bible in our Bible classes! We focus way too much on topical lessons that may or may not dive deeply into what God’s Word actually has to say. Instead, we need to be teaching the Bible to our young people and teens, so they can know how to approach topics/issues in their daily lives.
Regular Youth Devos. Devotionals are a great time to have fun and fellowship, but don’t forget to make the lesson–as short as it may be–truly based on God’s Word! Don’t spend so much time planning the menu that you forget what should really be the main course: the Bread of Life.
Certainly, there are other things that can be done as time, number of volunteers, and finances allow. But look back through that list. Other than curriculum for a Bible school program (which you are probably already buying as it is), what cost is involved in any of these? To say the least, it would be very minimal.
Can you imagine a congregation’s calendar where, in addition to worship and regular Bible classes, you had…
Children in Pew Packers learning the basics of the Word of God every Sunday evening,
A group of teenagers studying the Bible deeply in someone’s home 2-4 times each month, and
The entire youth group getting together for a good and simple devotional lesson each month?
And then, of course, there are opportunities scattered throughout the year to still have those fun outings that are so great for young people to enjoy together.
Do that for a couple of years and just see what type of people are looking at your congregation. They will be people who are looking for the right thing: the Word of God.
If that isn’t a “healthy, vibrant, exciting” youth program–in the eyes of God–then I don’t know what is.
“…and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)
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AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
